Explore life in 500 B.C. at Phillippi Estate Park

The June 25 archaeology event at Phillippi Estate Park will include hands-on demonstrations of atlatls, tools used by the Manasota Indians who inhabited the park grounds about 2,500 to 1,500 years ago.

SARASOTA COUNTY – Phillippi Estate Park will turn the clock back all the way to 500 B.C. when it hosts a free archaeological event 9-11 a.m. June 25.

This family-friendly event will showcase what the property was like in 500 B.C. to A.D. 500. Archaeologists and other experts will be on hand as visitors get a special opportunity to see how the results of January 2016 excavations at the park are analyzed and interpreted. The public will learn about artifacts used by the Manasota Indians, who lived by Phillippi Creek approximately 2,500 to 1,500 years ago, and have the chance to use replicas of Manasota artifacts, including hands-on demonstrations of atlatls, tools used to increase velocity when throwing a dart or spear.

The event will take place at the Edson Keith Mansion on the grounds of Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. All ages are welcome.

This is the latest in several archaeology-related events hosted at Phillippi Estate Park. The 60-acre site, located on the shores of the Phillippi Creek, is home to prehistoric archaeological evidence spanning thousands of years.

The event is also part of a year-long 100th anniversary celebration for the Edson Keith Mansion. The park will host a centennial commemoration in November.

For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center or visit www.scgov.net.